DAVIESS CO., KY (WFIE) -
Revitalization work continues on the Mechanicsville neighborhood in Owensboro and today, the city and residents reached a major milestone in their plans to give the area a makeover over the next few years.
Today's ribbon cutting signals that the Omega Street extension is now open and ready for drivers.
Residents like Bobby McCormick, who's also chairman of the Dugan Best Neighborhood Alliance, feels this opening will allow people to navigate the area.
"It's an inlet into the Mechanicsville area," said McCormick. "A lot of people know where the Dugan Best is, but they don't know how to get there, so I think this will help also."
The street extension is just a small part of the Mechanicsville revitalization.
"This is gonna be an improvement for our neighborhood itself," said McCormick. "It's been a long coming, but I think everyone here appreciates it, and it's a welcome."
Mayor Pro Tem Pam Smith-Wright grew up in that neighborhood and notes that the extension will have many benefits.
"To not have to go all the way around to get to Parrish Avenue is gonna be such a help for our fire and police departments to have access to this area quicker," said Smith-Wright.
Construction of nine homes along the extension is expected to start within the next two to three weeks.
Officials and residents are both excited as these changes continue.
Pam "It's a pride thing in the neighborhood. When people finally see all of these new homes going up, you know, it'll make them want to do something about their own houses and to make the whole neighborhood look great again," said Smith-Wright.
"I think, too, it's something that as a homeowner you can be proud of," said McCormick.
The entire revitalization of Mechanicsville is expected to be complete by 2014.
Officials say the Omega Street Extension will also increase access to the Carter Road Commercial Area and create an attractive entry point for the Mechanicsville neighborhood.
Copyright 2012 WFIE. All rights reserved.
